I’m a fairly pragmatic person, and I’ve learned to keep life simple. So when I told my husband that this month’s column was about “healthy harvest meal hacks,” he laughed and said, “‘Pizza Hut online ordering’ is only four words; how are you going to make that an entire column?”
After we got done laughing at the truth in that statement, I did what any good millennial does and turned to Pinterest. And I found out that apparently all the cool kids’ moms are carving secret notes into their bananas with a toothpick every morning, and if your kids’ food isn’t in a festive holiday shape (cookie cutters!), you’re probably neglectful (sorry Tucker – I just write a check at the beginning of the quarter). Also – “healthy Crock-Pot food” resembles TMR, or, well, let’s just stick to the TMR.
Despite all of this, I think I was able to put together some helpful tips for keeping everyone fed this harvest season!
1. Take-out containers
Tired of losing your good Tupperware? Going broke trying to replace the cheaper containers? Have a big crew to feed? Jump on Amazon, or go to your local Sam’s Club, and order some restaurant take-out containers. You can purchase soufflé cups, clamshells, even pizza boxes in bulk to send out on the tractor, and you won’t have to worry about getting them back! Sam’s Club listed 100 take-out containers for under $10.
2. Freeze it
I know; I’ve said I’m not a fan of freezing food ahead of time, but there are a few exceptions – mostly breakfast. Pancakes, French toast and waffles can all be made in a big batch and warmed up in the toaster in just minutes. Frozen breakfast burritos wrapped in tinfoil can be warmed up in the oven and eaten with one hand while on the go. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches can be frozen and will thaw in a lunch box when there is no time for even a quick meal.
3. Get creative with the Crock-Pot
I quit looking up Crock-Pot meals (see the above comment about TMR) and started to think of how I could make that evening’s supper in the Crock-Pot. Crock-Pot meals are especially useful if your crew is going to eat at different times. Make sure to check out a Crock-Pot with a lid that latches if you need to take your meal out of the house.
4. Be prepared
Keep disinfectant wipes, baby wipes and paper utensils in a plastic container that always goes with the meal, instead of trying to guess what you will need on the go. Add tinfoil to cover leftovers or to send a plate to someone who doesn’t have time to stop.
5. Think outside the (pizza) box
I’ve switched from trying to come up with food that travels well, to trying to think of how I can make the food travel, and I ended up with a much wider variety when it comes to meal planning.
6. Always have back up
There’s nothing like the phone call at 10 a.m. that says you’ll have seven for lunch, and could they eat at 11:30 a.m. so they can get started right away? Keep something easy on hand that can be made quickly.
7. Don’t forget; you can order pizza online 
Heather Moore is a dairy farming mama herself, raising three little boys with her husband, Brandon. The Moore family has a 50-cow dairy and custom feeds 800 head of beef cattle near Maquoketa, Iowa. When she is not chasing around cows and kids, you'll find her volunteering, cooking and very occasionally, sleeping.
PHOTO: In the tractor or in the barn, Heather Moore makes meals easy to transport so no one goes hungry during harvest season. Photo provided by Heather Moore.
